The Path Of The Golden Lotus

“It’s been 1 Month since I created this Website. This is my first short story, which I will post here. The Idea came to me while videocalling my Mother during her House Chores.” – Cleo Germann, Grenchen, the 10th March 2025.

Chapter 1: Miles Walked

Lian was never a great swimmer. At age 14, she would walk with her little brother Chun 8 Miles a Day to the Market to bring her Mother Food and Water. She would consider this a Task she “had to do” to be a “good” Daughter.

For every Miles Walked, she would drink a Sip from The Tea she carried in her Backpack.

“A Chinese Girl should drink more herbal Tea than Water,” said her Father once. Her mother just meant it was good for her health and would lead to a longer life. Tuss also to a Good Marriage with a Rich Man.

“As long as the Miles are still Miles and don’t stretch longer, that’s enough for me,” she thought as she sipped her Herbal Tea.

Chapter 2: Through Fields and Forrest, Together

The Path was long, and the Direction she had constantly changed due to a lack of Streets. For her, it was easy to navigate, but it was Chun’s first Time coming with her Big Brother.

On the 6th mile of the Way they stopped at a Pond to rest their Legs a little Bit.

Her Brother Chun took off his Sandals and stretched his Legs into the the wet moss of the Pond.

“Hey, Lian! Come Here! You Should Do This, Too! The Moss is so Relaxing,” He Said.

So she jumped in little Steps close to him and sat right by his side.

She took her Sandals Off and played her feet. She started to Play With The Moss. “What a Wonderful Feeling” she thought.

Nothing made her happier at the Moment. Sure The Miles Were Long and the Backpack Heavy. but the Thought of being out on a Sunny Day with Her Brother, her feet relaxing at a Pond, and soon seeing her Mother at the Market was worth all The Effort.

As Her Eyes spotted A Golden Lotus, she soon wished that she could pick it up and bring it to her Mother. But she never Swam and her Little Brother was too young and the Depth of the Pond was too Deep for him Too Try.

“Never Mind, Big Sister”, said her Brother. “We will see it grow by tomorrow when we come back again”.

“Of Course, We Will.” She Answerd. Leaving the Lotus Untouched.

And Both continued their Way along The Path and she was Happy that she couldn’t Swim to Pick Up the Flower.

The End.